About Me

Tuesday, 15 September 2009

On this day in 1940, RAF Fighter Command claimed victory over the Luftwaffe after a day of heavy bombing raids ended in big losses for the enemy. (Picture shows Hurricane fighter planes taking off from Gravesend after refuelling and rearming to take part in Battle of Britain). According to the RAF, 176 enemy aircraft were destroyed by fighter planes. At least another nine aircraft were hit by anti-aircraft guns.British casualties were much lighter - only 25 aircraft lost with 13 pilots killed or missing.The Air Ministry said the German losses were the highest since 18 August, five days after the Battle of Britain began in earnest.Today there were two major attacks on London during daylight and a number of smaller raids on the south coast in the Portland and Southampton areas. The first big attack came in the morning at 1100 hours. A wave of about 100 German aircraft was spotted heading over the Kent coast towards London followed by a second wave of about 150 planes. Spitfire and Hurricane squadrons were sent to meet them and many German planes are reported to have turned away without dropping any bombs.Two heavy bombs fell on Buckingham Palace, neither exploded but one damaged the Queen's private apartments. The King and Queen were not in residence and staff were sheltering in the basement. It was the third time in a week the palace had been targeted.At about 1400 hours another wave of about 150 German planes crossed the coast near Dover - again followed by a second wave of 100 aircraft. They appeared to be heading for targets in south London and railways in London and Kent. Fighter patrols were again ready to meet the enemy and only 70 or so enemy planes reached central London where there was a series of dogfights. As darkness fell, the raids continued on London inflicting major damage on targets in the south of the city. Railway bridges were hit between Victoria and Clapham Junction, gas and water supplies disrupted and St Thomas's, Guys and Lambeth hospitals were all hit although there were no casualties.Two days later it became clear Hitler had indefinitely postponed operation Sealion - his plan to invade Britain.